OBJECTIVETo investigate the imaging features of burst injury of the lung in coal miners and to provide reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

METHODSA retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data and imaging findings of 78 patients with burst injury of the lung.

RESULTSThe imaging findings of burst injury of the lung were variable and complex, and they varied over time. Eleven cases showed no abnormalities on X-ray and CT within 24 h, but abnormalities appeared within 3 d; 53 cases showed abnormalities on X-ray and CT and had an exacerbation within 3 d; 8 cases showed improvements when reexamined. Among the 78 patients examined by X-ray and (or) CT, ground glass-like shadows were noted in 15 cases, interstitial changes in 13 cases, segmental consolidation in 24 cases, and diffuse consolidation in 26 cases. The complications included pneumothorax (n = 35), hemothorax (n = 28), costal fracture (n = 24), and pulmonary infection (n = 27).

CONCLUSIONX-ray plain film and CT offer a reliable basis for early diagnosis of burst injury of the lung. CT is superior to X-ray plain film in detecting lesions, so chest CT should be performed as early as possible to remedy burst injury of the lung.